History
Founded in 1924 by and for the Chinese Opera Community. The Great Star Theater has grown and changed over the years. in 1998 the doors closed to this historic venue and for fifteen years it lay dormant. In 2015 local magician, Paul Nathan kicked open the doors and ushered in adoring crowds of cabaret and circus enthusiasts along with film fans, Chinese Opera crowds, and even Burlesque. 1924 Doors open 1940 Projection booth and screen added 1970 Purchased by Run Run Shaw - the theater runs primarily as a first run film house for Hong Kong action and historical films produced by the Shaw Brothers 1998 Door close 2002 Theater Purchased by Julie Lee 2008 Kenny and George attempt a reboot 2011 Harris Rosenbloom Attempts a reboot 2015 Paul Nathan attempts the latest in a series of what will undoubtedly become another failed reboot.
Specialties
The Great Star Theater is a nonprofit community theater venue which strives to ensure local theater, cabaret, variety, and Chinese opera has a home in San Francisco. We are restoring and operating this historic 500 seat theater venue in San Francisco's Chinatown, as well as partnering with local artists to produce live shows and keep local arts alive amidst these unprecedented times.